Collapsible, stowable infant chattel tray

ABSTRACT

A collapsible infant tray formed from flexible polymeric materials having two or more receptacles securing infant chattels including perishable foods. In various embodiments, the receptacles are formed by one or more L-shaped detachable members.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

This invention relates to children's feeding implements, and more particularly relates to an improved implement in the form of a collapsible tray for securing food and/or handheld chattels of children.

Description of the Related Art

Infants, toddler and young children do not maintain regular feeding schedules and guardians, parents, caretakers, and/or the children themselves often must feed a child while they are traveling, running errands, or otherwise away from their primary residences. Trays may be useful for feeding a child or providing a flat surface from which a child may color or manipulate toys. The prior art provides examples of a trays which affixed to the sidearms of stroller or highchairs, but which are cumbersome, rigid and not easily ported or stowed. The prior art does not teach trays which are collapsible or fabricated from flexible materials.

The prior art discloses stroller and highchairs which are collapsible for the purpose or porting and stowing, but not trays themselves, though there exists a need in the art for such a tray. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a light-weight, collapsible, portable and stowable children's tray easily adapted for use while traveling. It is another object of the present invention to provide a feeding tray which is both simple and inexpensive to manufacture and retail.

SUMMARY

From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for a flexible, collapsible, stowable children's tray assembly. Beneficially, such a device would overcome inefficiencies with the prior art by providing a easily ported and stowable tray.

The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available apparti. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide a collapsible infant tray adapted to position on a planar surface before an infant to secure chattels, the tray comprising: a generally rectangular base member fabricated of flexible polymeric material; a first sidewall affixed to a top surface of the base member, the first sidewall upwardly protruding, wherein the first sidewall tapers in height toward a forward edge of the base member; a second sidewall affixed to a top surface of the base member, the second sidewall upwardly protruding, wherein the second sidewall tapers in height toward a forward edge of the base member; an elongated rearward wall having planar inner and outer surfaces, the rearward wall affixed at terminal ends to one of the first sidewall and the second sidewall; and two or more detachable L-shaped receptacles having rectangular tabs protruding laterally from each of two terminal ends, the tabs for detachable affixation to one or more of a sidewall and the rearward wall, the detachable receptacles design to define, in combination with a sidewall and the rearward wall, a receptacle for securing manipulable chattels of an infant.

The base member may define a smoothly-curving undulating forward edge. The first sidewall and second sidewall may comprise planar inner and outer surfaces.

In various embodiments, the first sidewall and second sidewall may taper in height toward a forward edge of the base member. The first sidewall, second sidewall and rearward wall may be stitched to the base member.

The first sidewall, second sidewall and rearward wall may each comprise one or more Velcro® pads for detachable affixation of the detachable receptacles.

A second collapsible infant tray adapted to position on a planar surface before an infant is provided, the tray comprising: a generally rectangular base member fabricated of flexible polymeric material; a first sidewall affixed to a top surface of the base member, the first sidewall upwardly protruding; a second sidewall affixed to a top surface of the base member, the second sidewall upwardly protruding; an elongated rearward wall having planar inner and outer surfaces, the rearward wall affixed at terminal ends to one of the first sidewall and the second sidewall; and two or more L-shaped receptacles having rectangular tabs protruding laterally from each of two terminal ends, the tabs for detachable affixation to one or more of a sidewall and the rearward wall, the detachable receptacles design to define, in combination with a sidewall and the rearward wall, a receptacle for securing manipulable chattels of an infant.

A collapsible infant tray adapted to position on a planar surface before an infant to secure chattels, the tray comprising: a generally rectangular base member fabricated of flexible polymeric material having a planar top surface and a planar bottom surface, the base member defining a smoothly-curving undulating forward edge; a first sidewall affixed to a top surface of the base member, the first sidewall upwardly protruding, wherein the first sidewall tapers in height toward a forward edge of the base member, the first sidewall having planar inner and outer surfaces, tapering in height toward a forward edge of the base member; a second sidewall affixed to a top surface of the base member, the second sidewall upwardly protruding, wherein the second sidewall tapers in height toward a forward edge of the base member, the second sidewall having planar inner and outer surfaces, tapering in height toward a forward edge of the base member; an elongated rearward wall having planar inner and outer surfaces, the rearward wall affixed at terminal ends to one of the first sidewall and the second sidewall; and two or more detachable L-shaped receptacles having rectangular tabs protruding laterally from each of two terminal ends, the tabs for detachable affixation using Velcro® to one or more of a sidewall and the rearward wall, the detachable receptacles design to define, in combination with a sidewall and the rearward wall, a receptacle for securing perishable foods of an infant.

The trays provided above may further comprise a detachable rearward receptacle comprising a laterally-extending member, a diagonal member, and Velcro® attachment means.

Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a forward-side-upper perspective view of children's tray assembly in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a forward-side-upper perspective view of children's tray assembly in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates an upper perspective view of children's tray assembly in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side perspective view of children's tray assembly in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a forward perspective view of children's tray assembly in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a rearward perspective view of children's tray assembly in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a lower perspective view of children's tray assembly in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a lower-side-rearward perspective view of children's tray assembly in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9A illustrates an upper perspective view of another embodiment of children's tray assembly in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 9B illustrates a side perspective view of rearward detachable receptacle of children's tray assembly in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a forward-side-upper perspective view of children's tray 100 in accordance with the present invention. The tray 100 comprises a planar base member 102 having stitching 110, two sidewalls 104 having Velcro® pads 108, two detachable receptacles 112 a-b, and a rearward wall 106.

The base member 102 is shown as a generally rectangular planar lower member having a smoothly-curved undulating or wavy, concave forward edge. In various embodiments, the forward edge 116 is nonlinear or linear, concave or convex, so as to partially conform to the convex shape of an infant's torso. The base member 102 may be square, rectangular, circular, elliptical, or irregularly-shaped.

Peripheral sidewalls 104 a-b (or side members) span the length of the lateral edges of the base member 102 having planar inner and outer surfaces. These sidewalls 104 are likewise fabricated from a flexible, stretchable or semi-flexible, polymeric or polymerically-enveloped material, such as nylon. In other embodiments, the sidewalls 104 may be fabricated from, or partially fabricated from, organic materials such as wood or natural rubber. The sidewalls 104 are adapted to collapse or fold upon themselves or other tray 100 members with minimal force, but biased to return to original form when that force is released.

The forward ends of the sidewalls 104 a-b terminate running to the forward edge of the tray 100 with a rounded, chamfered, tapered or an otherwise-shaped cut meant to reduce the height of the sidewall 104.

The inner surface of each sidewall 104 is affixed to a Velcro® pad 108 using means known to those of skill in the art, including stitching, adhesive, adapted to detachably engage a corresponding pad on a detachable receptacles 112 a-b

A rearward member 106 spans the width of the tray 100 and is affixed to both sidewalls 104 a as shown. The rearward member 106 comprises two Velcro® pads 120 for detachably engaging corresponding pads on the detachable receptacles 112.

Two detachable receptacles 112 position as shown on the rearward-side portions of the base member 102 and detachably affix to a sidewall 104 and the rearward member 106 using Velcro®, adhesive, snaps, stitching, a heat-pressed fixture, or through other means known to those of skill in the art.

The detachable receptacle 112 a comprises an L-shaped member 124 having two flexible rectangular tabs 114 protruding from terminal ends of the L-shaped member 124. The flexible tabs 114 comprise male or female Velcro® hooks on their outer surfaces for engaging corresponding male or female Velcro® hooks on the pads 108 and 120.

In various embodiments, the receptacles 112, are permanently affixed to the one or more of the base member 102, the sidewalls 104 and the rearward member 106. The tray 100 and receptacles 112 may be formed as a single integrated piece in various embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates a forward-side-upper perspective view of children's tray 200 in accordance with the present invention.

The tray 100 and its components are preferably made from a plastics material, such as, but not limited to, a polycarbonate, a polystyrene, or a polyethylene or a material which will not deform or significantly degrade under temperature conditions typically found in a conventional household or commercial automatic dishwashing machine, which temperatures can be as high as about 220° F. The components forming the tray 200 are fabricated from materials of sufficient rigidity to withstand forces reasonably anticipated to be encountered with normal usage of the tray 100 by an infant without deformation of form.

Small peripheral flanges or lips 116 may protruding laterally from the outer edge of sidewalls 104.

FIG. 3 illustrates an upper perspective view of children's tray 300 in accordance with the present invention.

The detachable receptacles 114 form a recess 304, or a receptacle 304, for receiving manipulable food products as shown. It should be understood that the cooperatively engageable elements/components of the tray 300 may include other constructions, such as, but not limited to, elements producing one or more receptacles 304 above the base member 102.

The tray 300 may be quickly and easily collapsed, scrunched, folded, or packed for stowing in a backpack.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side perspective view of children's tray 400 in accordance with the present invention.

The forward edge of the tray 400 is shown to the right of the sidewall 104 a.

FIG. 5 illustrates a forward perspective view of children's tray 500 in accordance with the present invention.

The detachable receptacle 112 a-b are shown. In various embodiments, one or more additional detachably receptacles may also form the tray 500, including a detachable receptacle 112 disposed against the rearward wall 106.

FIG. 6 illustrates a rearward perspective view of children's tray 600 in accordance with the present invention.

As shown.

FIG. 7 illustrates a lower perspective view of children's tray 700 in accordance with the present invention.

The stitching 110 is shown along with the forward edge 116

FIG. 8 illustrates a lower-side-rearward perspective view of children's tray 800 in accordance with the present invention.

As shown.

FIG. 9A illustrates an upper perspective view of another embodiment of children's tray assembly in accordance with the present invention.

The tray 900 comprises a detachable rearward receptacle 902 having a laterally-extending member 908, a diagonal member 904 and Velcro® attachment means 906. In the shown embodiment, the tray 900 comprises a Velcro® pad 910 for mating with the Velcro® attachment means 906. The detachable rearward receptacle 902 forms a receptacle 910 as shown.

FIG. 9B illustrates a side perspective view of rearward detachable receptacle of children's tray assembly in accordance with the present invention.

Each of the components 904-908 as shown.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A collapsible infant tray adapted to position on a planar surface before an infant to secure chattels, the tray comprising: a generally rectangular base member fabricated of flexible polymeric material; a first sidewall affixed to a top surface of the base member, the first sidewall upwardly protruding, wherein the first sidewall tapers in height toward a forward edge of the base member; a second sidewall affixed to a top surface of the base member, the second sidewall upwardly protruding, wherein the second sidewall tapers in height toward a forward edge of the base member; an elongated rearward wall having planar inner and outer surfaces, the rearward wall affixed at terminal ends to one of the first sidewall and the second sidewall; and two or more detachable L-shaped receptacles having rectangular tabs protruding laterally from each of two terminal ends, the tabs for detachable affixation to one or more of a sidewall and the rearward wall, the detachable receptacles design to define, in combination with a sidewall and the rearward wall, a receptacle for securing manipulable chattels of an infant.
 2. The tray of claim 1, wherein the base member defines a smoothly-curving undulating forward edge.
 3. The tray of claim 1, wherein the first sidewall and second sidewall comprise planar inner and outer surfaces.
 4. The tray of claim 1, wherein the first sidewall and second sidewall taper in height toward a forward edge of the base member;
 5. The tray of claim 1, wherein the first sidewall, second sidewall and rearward wall are stitched to the base member.
 6. The tray of claim 1, wherein the first sidewall, second sidewall and rearward wall each comprise one or more Velcro® pads for detachable affixation of the detachable receptacles.
 7. The tray of claim 1, further comprising a detachable rearward receptacle comprising a laterally-extending member, a diagonal member, and Velcro® attachment means.
 8. A collapsible infant tray adapted to position on a planar surface before an infant, the tray comprising: a generally rectangular base member fabricated of flexible polymeric material; a first sidewall affixed to a top surface of the base member, the first sidewall upwardly protruding; a second sidewall affixed to a top surface of the base member, the second sidewall upwardly protruding; an elongated rearward wall having planar inner and outer surfaces, the rearward wall affixed at terminal ends to one of the first sidewall and the second sidewall; and two or more L-shaped receptacles having rectangular tabs protruding laterally from each of two terminal ends, the tabs for detachable affixation to one or more of a sidewall and the rearward wall, the detachable receptacles design to define, in combination with a sidewall and the rearward wall, a receptacle for securing manipulable chattels of an infant.
 9. A collapsible infant tray adapted to position on a planar surface before an infant to secure chattels, the tray comprising: a generally rectangular base member fabricated of flexible polymeric material having a planar top surface and a planar bottom surface, the base member defining a smoothly-curving undulating forward edge; a first sidewall affixed to a top surface of the base member, the first sidewall upwardly protruding, wherein the first sidewall tapers in height toward a forward edge of the base member, the first sidewall having planar inner and outer surfaces, tapering in height toward a forward edge of the base member; a second sidewall affixed to a top surface of the base member, the second sidewall upwardly protruding, wherein the second sidewall tapers in height toward a forward edge of the base member, the second sidewall having planar inner and outer surfaces, tapering in height toward a forward edge of the base member; an elongated rearward wall having planar inner and outer surfaces, the rearward wall affixed at terminal ends to one of the first sidewall and the second sidewall; and two or more detachable L-shaped receptacles having rectangular tabs protruding laterally from each of two terminal ends, the tabs for detachable affixation using Velcro to one or more of a sidewall and the rearward wall, the detachable receptacles design to define, in combination with a sidewall and the rearward wall, a receptacle for securing perishable foods of an infant. 